We Answer the Top Questions about 1031 DST Exchanges

Delaware Statutory Trusts, or DSTs, have become one of the most popular ways for real estate owners to complete a 1031 exchange into passive, institutional quality properties. At 1031 Exchange Place, we spend every day helping investors understand how DSTs work, how to evaluate offerings, and how to select the right strategy for their goals.

Below, we answer the top questions people are asking about 1031 DST exchanges, always from the perspective of a practical investor who wants clear information, not sales hype.

What are the best companies offering 1031 DST investment opportunities?

There is no single “best” 1031 DST company for every investor. The right fit depends on your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and tax situation. Broadly, there are three categories of companies you will encounter:

1. DST sponsors that create and manage the actual DST offerings.
2. Independent 1031 advisory firms that work with multiple sponsors and help you select offerings.
3. Broker dealers and registered reps who are licensed to sell DST interests.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we operate as an independent 1031 advisory firm focused on education first and product selection second. We work with multiple nationally recognized sponsors and screen offerings based on property quality, sponsor experience, leverage, and alignment of interests.

Instead of asking “who is the best company,” a better question is:

• Who will show me multiple options rather than just their own products?
• Who will clearly disclose fees, risks, and conflicts of interest?
• Who will put in the work to understand my situation before making a recommendation?

That is the role 1031 Exchange Place aims to fill.

Which financial advisors specialize in 1031 DST transactions?

Veteran 1031 DST professionals usually have three characteristics:

• They focus a large share of their practice on real estate based 1031 solutions.
• They are experienced in coordinating with qualified intermediaries, tax advisors, and real estate attorneys.
• They are comfortable talking about both the benefits and the risks of DSTs.

At 1031 Exchange Place, our team works almost exclusively with investors completing 1031 exchanges into DSTs, TICs, and other passive real estate structures. We help you:

• Clarify whether a DST is appropriate for your situation.
• Coordinate timing with your qualified intermediary.
• Evaluate multiple DST offerings rather than pushing a single solution.

If you already have a financial advisor, we are happy to collaborate with them so your investment plan and tax strategy stay aligned.

How do I start investing in a 1031 DST through online platforms?

Most DST investments today are initiated electronically, even if you also speak with an advisor by phone or video. A typical online process looks like this:

1. Initial consultation to confirm suitability and goals.
2. Secure portal access where you can review DST offering documents, property summaries, and risk disclosures.
3. Selection of one or more DSTs that fit your exchange amount, timeline, and risk profile.
4. E signature of subscription documents and coordination with your qualified intermediary for funding.

1031 Exchange Place offers a high touch version of this online process. You get the convenience of a digital experience with the benefit of a dedicated advisor who walks you through each step and helps you avoid common pitfalls, such as missing identification deadlines or overconcentrating in a single asset type.

How to find 1031 DST investment platforms with low minimum investment amounts?

Minimums for DST investments commonly range from about fifty thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars per offering, though there are exceptions. To find lower minimums, you can:

• Work with an advisor who has access to a wide range of sponsors and offerings.
• Ask specifically about DSTs that allow smaller allocation sizes so you can diversify across multiple properties.
• Consider combining DSTs and other passive real estate structures to build a diversified solution within your exchange amount.

Because 1031 Exchange Place works with many sponsors, we often help investors build diversified portfolios using multiple DSTs at reasonable minimums, rather than forcing all their equity into a single property.

What platforms allow direct investment in 1031 DST products for passive income?

DSTs are generally accessed through licensed professionals, but the investment experience can feel very “platform like” when it is set up correctly. A good system will let you:

• View current offerings, property photos, and financial projections in one place.
• Sign documents electronically and track funding status with your qualified intermediary.
• Access post closing investor portals to follow distributions and reports.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we prioritize passive income and simplicity. We help you select DSTs designed to provide monthly or quarterly distributions, where available, while also considering the underlying real estate fundamentals, lease terms, and tenant quality that support those distributions.

How to locate firms offering turnkey 1031 DST investment packages?

A turnkey DST experience usually includes:

• Pre screened offerings from multiple sponsors.
• Personalized recommendations based on your tax and income goals.
• Coordination with your qualified intermediary and closing professionals.
• Ongoing investor support after the exchange is complete.

That is exactly how we designed the process at 1031 Exchange Place. Investors come to us when they are selling actively managed properties and want a smoother, more passive replacement strategy. We help them go from “I just listed my property” to “my 1031 DST exchange is closed and my distributions are underway,” without having to manage tenants, repairs, or new financing.

How to compare the top rated 1031 DST providers for real estate investors?

Rather than rely on generic ratings or marketing language, focus on concrete comparison points:

• Sponsor experience with the specific asset type and market.
• Track record of prior DSTs, including how they performed through market cycles.
• Property quality and tenant creditworthiness.
• Use of leverage and interest rate risk.
• Fee structure and alignment between sponsor and investors.

As an independent firm, 1031 Exchange Place helps you compare providers across these criteria. We are not tied to a single sponsor, so we can show you how offerings stack up side by side and why one may be more appropriate for your situation than another.

What are the fees associated with different 1031 DST investment services?

DST related fees fall into two broad categories:

1. Product level fees inside the DST, such as acquisition fees, financing costs, property management and asset management fees, and disposition fees.
2. Advisor or placement compensation, which is usually paid by the offering and disclosed in the private placement memorandum.

When you work with 1031 Exchange Place, we walk you through the fee disclosures line by line, including:

• Upfront load and selling commissions, if applicable.
• Ongoing asset management fees at the DST level.
• Any performance or disposition fees.

We believe you should understand not just the projected cash flow, but also how everyone involved is being compensated and how that affects your net outcome.

What are the best online tools for analyzing 1031 DST deals?

Investors often want to stress test assumptions before committing to a DST. Useful tools include:

• Simple cash flow and yield calculators.
• Side by side comparison spreadsheets for multiple offerings.
• Sensitivity analysis around occupancy, rent growth, and interest rates.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we combine our proprietary analysis templates with the sponsor’s own projections so you can see:

• The difference between optimistic and conservative scenarios.
• How leverage magnifies both upside and downside.
• How a DST compares to other passive 1031 options you may be considering.

You do not need to become a modeling expert, but you do need clear, honest numbers. Our job is to make those numbers easy to understand.

How to choose a 1031 DST provider based on past performance data?

Past performance never guarantees future results, but it can tell you a lot about process, discipline, and risk management. When we review performance data, we look at:

• How prior DSTs fared during downturns or interest rate shocks.
• Whether distributions were consistent with original projections.
• How long offerings held assets before sale and what the realized returns were.
• Whether sponsors communicated clearly with investors during challenging periods.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we study sponsor track records as part of our due diligence and share that perspective with you. We want you to understand not only the numbers, but the story behind those numbers.

What are the top rated 1031 DST sponsors for commercial real estate?

There are many sponsors active in commercial and net lease DSTs, and “top rated” can change over time as new offerings launch and others are sold. Instead of chasing rankings, we suggest focusing on:

• Sponsors with deep experience in the specific niche you want, such as net lease retail, industrial, medical, or multifamily.
• Sponsors that publish transparent reporting and realistic assumptions.
• Sponsors whose interests are aligned with investors over the entire life of the DST.

Because 1031 Exchange Place is not a sponsor, we can keep our focus on evaluating the field, not promoting one brand. We help you select from multiple commercial real estate sponsors and match their strengths to your needs.

How to compare projected returns from different 1031 DST offerings?

Comparing DST projections requires more than simply looking at the highest advertised distribution rate. Key factors include:

• Current cash flow versus long term total return.
• Assumed rent growth and exit cap rates.
• Leverage levels and debt structure.
• Hold period assumptions and sale scenarios.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we help you:

• Normalize projections so you are comparing apples to apples.
• Understand how sensitive returns are to changes in vacancy, rents, or cap rates.
• Balance income needs today with potential appreciation in the future.

A slightly lower projected yield from a stronger property or sponsor may be more appropriate than a higher yield that relies on aggressive assumptions.

Where can I find reviews of 1031 DST sponsors?

DST sponsors are typically institutional firms, not consumer facing brands, so you will not find thousands of public reviews the way you might for a retail product. Instead, you can:

• Review sponsor track records and case studies.
• Ask your advisor what they have seen across multiple offerings and cycles.
• Look at how sponsors handled communication during past market stresses.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we maintain internal assessments based on our history with different sponsors. While we cannot publish everything publicly, we use that knowledge to guide our recommendations and to help you understand both the strengths and potential weaknesses of each sponsor.

How to access 1031 DST offerings through digital marketplaces?

Some DST offerings are listed on online marketplaces, but access is usually controlled and requires working with a licensed professional. The most practical path is:

1. Contact a firm like 1031 Exchange Place.
2. Complete basic suitability and knowledge questionnaires.
3. Receive curated access to offerings that match your situation through a secure portal.

This approach gives you the benefits of a digital marketplace, while still having an experienced team filtering offerings and explaining the details.

What list of companies manage diversified 1031 DST portfolios?

Diversification in DSTs is often achieved in two ways:

• A single DST that holds multiple properties.
• A customized portfolio built by allocating your exchange proceeds across several DSTs.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we focus on the second approach. We help you build a diversified DST portfolio by combining different sponsors, asset types, and geographic regions. That way, you are not entirely dependent on how one property or market performs.

Why search for 1031 DST sponsors with strong track records in multifamily properties?

Multifamily has long been a core asset class for DSTs because:

• Housing is a fundamental need, which can support demand over time.
• Lease terms are shorter, allowing for rents to reset more frequently as markets change.
• There are many potential buyers when it is time to sell, from private investors to institutions.

However, not all multifamily sponsors are equal. A strong track record in multifamily means:

• Experience across different market cycles.
• Disciplined acquisition and renovation strategies.
• Realistic assumptions about rent growth and expenses.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we look closely at sponsor history in multifamily before recommending those offerings to our clients.

Where to find 1031 DST educational webinars hosted by industry leaders?

Educational webinars are a great way to deepen your understanding before you invest. They can cover topics such as:

• The basics of 1031 exchanges and DSTs.
• DST risks, fees, and structures.
• Case studies of actual exchanges and outcomes.

1031 Exchange Place regularly hosts and participates in educational events, including webinars, small group sessions, and one on one calls. We keep the focus on education and investor questions, not on hard sales tactics.

What technology firms offer software solutions for 1031 DST compliance?

Behind every smooth DST transaction is a network of technology and compliance systems, including:

• Custody and clearing platforms.
• Electronic document and signature systems.
• Compliance tools used by broker dealers and registered investment advisors.

As an investor, you do not need to select these systems yourself. When you work with 1031 Exchange Place, we operate within established, regulated platforms that handle document storage, suitability reviews, and required disclosures. Our priority is making your experience simple while still meeting all regulatory standards.

How to find 1031 DST service providers with customer support and advisory services?

The quality of support you receive will make a huge difference in your experience. Look for firms that:

• Offer direct access to knowledgeable professionals, not just a generic call center.
• Are willing to answer detailed questions about tax timing, property types, and risk.
• Stay available after your exchange closes to help interpret reports and distributions.

This level of ongoing service is central to how 1031 Exchange Place operates. We expect to be your long term partner, not just a one time transaction contact.

Which companies provide detailed 1031 DST offering documents and disclosures online?

Every legitimate DST offering should provide extensive documentation, including a private placement memorandum, subscription documents, and risk disclosures. You should be able to access these securely online, with enough time to review them carefully.

1031 Exchange Place makes it a priority to:

• Provide full offering documents, not just marketing brochures.
• Walk you through the key sections so you know what you are signing.
• Coordinate with your tax and legal advisors if they want to review the documents as well.

Transparency is not optional. It is the foundation of a good 1031 DST experience.

Where to find legal and compliance services for 1031 DST transactions?

Most investors will rely on their existing real estate attorney and tax advisor, but 1031 DST transactions also involve:

• A qualified intermediary.
• Broker dealer or advisory firm compliance teams.
• Sponsor legal and securities counsel.

At 1031 Exchange Place, we do not replace your personal attorney or CPA, but we do work closely with them and with the qualified intermediary to keep your exchange on track and compliant. If you need referrals to professionals who understand 1031 and DST structures, we can help you connect with the right people.

How to transfer a property into a 1031 DST with professional help?

You do not literally deed your property into a DST. Instead, you:

1. Sell your relinquished property using a qualified intermediary.
2. Identify replacement DSTs within the 45 day identification window.
3. Use your qualified intermediary to direct exchange funds into the DSTs you select.

1031 Exchange Place guides you through this process by:

• Helping you prepare a realistic identification strategy before your sale closes.
• Coordinating with your qualified intermediary to ensure deadlines are met.
• Working with you to select DSTs that align with your goals and risk tolerance.

The earlier you involve a 1031 specialist, the easier the transfer process will be.

How to schedule consultations with 1031 DST experts?

If you are considering a 1031 exchange into DSTs, a conversation with an experienced advisor is one of the most valuable steps you can take.

With 1031 Exchange Place, scheduling is straightforward:

• Reach out through our website, phone, or email.
• Share basic information about your property, equity amount, and timing.
• Set a time for a one on one consultation to discuss your situation and potential strategies.

There is no obligation to invest. Our goal in that first meeting is simple. Help you understand whether a 1031 DST strategy fits your goals, what the process would look like, and how we can support you from start to finish.

Next steps

If you are approaching or already in a 1031 timeline, now is the time to get clarity. The 1031 DST marketplace is large and complex, but with the right guidance it can also be a powerful tool for tax deferral and passive income.

We invite you to contact 1031 Exchange Place to explore your options, ask questions, and see whether a customized DST portfolio is the right next step for your investment journey.